Nothing brings back a childhood memory like chasing down an ice cream truck in the middle of summer. Make it a Mister Softee ice cream truck, and now we’re in business. Or at least you can be, with the Mister Softee franchise opportunity. Mister Softee ice cream is possibly the most well-known and loved ice cream that people have been enjoying for decades and decades. In fact, owning an ice cream truck business may have even been your childhood dream. I’d be lying if I said that I’ve never imagined it myself. I mean, come on, it’s an ice cream truck! Becoming a franchise owner for this business has some incredible benefits. And I’m not just talking about the endless amount of soft served ice cream and milkshakes. This franchise, like every other, has its advantages as well as negatives; which we will get into soon. Check out all of the amazing perks and benefits to becoming a Softee and let your franchise business bloom and thrive! Let’s get started on the fun, I mean business.
The Softee Story
It all began in 1956 when two brothers, William and James Conway, began taking their first truck out on the streets of Philadelphia. They ventured out on a mission to serve the neighborhood with green colored ice cream in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Today, this well-known establishment located in New Jersey and transforms trucks into fun masterpieces that are well-loved and recognized as the Mister Softee ice cream truck. Their jingle can be recognized as well. It’s specific and identifies the soon approaching ice cream truck. After all, that’s what gets kids all wild and running to the curb of their home searching for the truck and waving it down with their dollars. Ah, the memories. Heck, I still will chase down a Mister Softee ice cream truck for a taste of their amazing soft-served goodness in a cone. Chocolate ice cream with chocolate sprinkles; yum!
Did you know that you now no longer have to wait around and chase down a Mister Softee truck? Mister Softee now does parties and events! Talk about having the birthday party of the year! Can you think of a better way to entertain your party guests that an ice cream truck at any time of the year? And since this business has been running since the 1950’s, you can be sure that it isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Which is why it makes it the perfect franchise opportunity!
What’s it Going to Take?
The franchise business opportunity that Mister Softee provides is stable with the potential for unlimited possibilities. It’s one of the oldest ice cream trucks that are still around and recognized. Could there possibly ever be a better franchise business for transportable ice cream than that of Mister Softee? Ok, I admit, I may be acting a little biased here. But I promise you that I am going to give you the complete rundown with the details that you need to know to make your final decision on franchising this business.
Let’s start with hat’s expected and required of you as a franchise owner. And although it’s not the best and most well-liked subject, let’s talk about money. And by that I mean the money you will have to put into this franchise business. Surprisingly, the initial franchise fee for Mister Softee is only $5,000. It starts to get a little bit pricer when we look at the total investment, but even then it’s not too expensive. The total investment runs between $49,153 – $153,250. It’s really not too bad if you think about it. Especially since you’ll have an already established business that is well-known and recognized everywhere. This company also requires ongoing royalty fees of 4% based on your gross revenue. Unlike many other companies, Mister Softee does not ask for an advertising fee, so that’s a plus! For the initial franchise agreement term, you are required to sign into a 10-year contract. However, once those 10 years are up, you can either continue at 5 years at a time or choose not to renew your agreement.
Next, we get into the growth of the franchise outlets for Mister Softee. It’s important to take a look at the increase or decrease in outlets, as well as the turnover rate. Turnover rates are calculated by taking the total number of terminations, transfers, and non-renewals, then dividing by the total number of running outlets. In this case, the turnover rate for Mister Softee is 8.41. It’s a little low, which is good. However, there could be some factors that are unknown as to why the rate is what it is. These factors can only be acquired through the company. In 2010, Mister Softee had 307 operating franchise outlets. Pretty good, right? Astonishingly, that number declined by the end of 2015 to 263 running outlets. The growth hasn’t been extremely consistent, but again, there may be many factors to consider for the reasoning behind that.
How about the perks? What’s in it for you? Well, when franchising Mister Softee, you get a few more perks than just the fact of having unlimited ice cream cones. In fact, this company offers to finance on their franchise fee for those that need it. They also provide you with territory rights to your franchise. Both of these subjects, including the fact that they offer training, definitely gives a plus side to this franchise opportunity. Other than unlimited ice cream, of course.
Back this truck out of here!
Franchising a business is by far an extremely rewarding experience when done the right way. Especially when you choose a business that fits perfectly into your lifestyle and is in an industry that you love. Do you love ice cream? Even if for some odd reason you don’t, I’m absolutely positive that you know someone that loves ice cream. And what better way to get into the ice cream business than owning a Mister Softee ice cream truck? Kids will adore you, especially your kids (if you have them). Although that jingle might stick in your head and haunt you from the grave. This business is definitely a great start for a franchise and comes at the right price!